Bi-Metallic Component And Method

A method of producing a bi-metallic component, comprising the steps of:

• forming a first member of a first metal;
• forming at least one perforation in a sheet-like portion of the first member with the perforation extending through the first member by slicing and bending the first metal;
• and
• casting a second member of a second metal different than the first metal onto a portion of the first member and through the perforation to rigidly secure the first and second members.

A vehicle body comprising:

• a steel component;
• a bi-metallic component including a first member of steel and a second member of aluminum;
• said first member being sheet-like and defining at least one perforation extending therethrough;
• said second member being of aluminum and being directly cast-in-place about a portion of said first member and through said perforation to rigidly secure said first and second components;
• and
• said steel component being welded to said steel first member of said bi-metallic component.